SAN FRANCISCO — Golden State Warriors 2026 second-round draftee Lajae Jones has signed with Pallacanestro Trieste in Italy for the upcoming season. The Warriors drafted Jones out of Florida State with the 54th pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, and the 6-foot-7 forward will now begin his professional career in Italy's top league.
As a senior with the Seminoles, Jones averaged 12.7 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.2 steals. The 6-foot-7 forward was named to the ACC All-Tournament second team for the 2026 ACC Tournament, capping his final collegiate season at Florida State before turning pro.
With the Warriors having a full roster, Jones is heading overseas for next season. There were previously reports that Jones could be a domestic draft-and-stash for Golden State by playing this season in the G League. Instead, Jones will now get his professional career started in Italy's top league with Trieste. The overseas stint replaces the earlier G League pathway that had been discussed for the second-round pick.